Mule Deer Foundation Statement on the Passing of Retired President/CEO Miles Moretti

Salt Lake City, Utah – The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) today expressed its deepest sympathies to the family of former President/CEO Miles Moretti who passed away on September 17 after a short battle with cancer. Moretti retired from MDF on March 31, 2021, after nearly 15 years at the helm and leading the organization through significant growth.

Chad Schearer the Mule Deer Foundation’s chairman of the board states, “Miles Moretti will be missed greatly. Not only was he a hero in conservation, but he was a friend and mentor to so many. Miles was always willing to lend a hand and would do anything for anyone. If he was your friend, you could always count on him, faithful to you no matter what. The impact Miles Moretti had on mule deer and other wildlife will benefit generations to come.”

Moretti joined MDF in October of 2006 after 30 years with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources where he retired as Deputy Director. He was a Life Member of MDF, a professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club, and a board member of the National Deer Alliance and the CWD Alliance. Miles was selected to serve on the Wildlife Hunting Heritage Council and the Hunting & Shooting Sports Conservation Council, federal advisory councils appointed by the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. He was a longtime board member of the Intermountain West Joint Venture, serving a term as their Chairman of the Board.

“Miles was a true icon of western conservation, both prior to his tenure at MDF, and during his time leading this great organization,” said Joel Pedersen, Miles’ successor as MDF President and CEO. “I am grateful for his countless contributions to MDF that set us up for continued success. His impact on the conservation of mule deer and western landscapes will be felt long into the future.”

Donations can be sent to the Miles Moretti Memorial Fund at the Mule Deer Foundation—1785 East 1450 South, Suite 210, Clearfield, UT 84015 or through the MDF website at Muledeer.org/miles-moretti-memorial-fund/ to support mule deer conservation and research projects.

About MDF

The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving, and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved in your state or become a member at
www.muledeer.org or call (801) 973-3940.